COST OF WAR AGAINST TERRORISM IS TOO HIGH

Is it really possible or even probable that over 70 percent of the American
people approve of the direction we are taking as a country?If so, their
memories are short and there will be a rude awakening when the implications
of two recent events sink in. To wit, the "$28.9 billion anti-terror bill
sent to the president" (Morning News, July 25) and the Treasury's
announcement that it will soon have to borrow $76 billion.

Using the appropriations breakdown in your article, only $14.6 billion is
ticketed for anti-terrorism. There is $6.7 billion for domestic security,
of which animal and plant health inspections will receive a small amount.
Remaining appropriations are spread over a number of other projects, making
the bill look very much like a pork barrel.

Having to borrow $76 billion in the third quarter resembles the start of
the 1980s. The balanced budget it took years to achieve is out. The
resulting higher interest rates and subsequent higher rates of inflation
are in. Is this truly what the American people want? I don't believe it, in
spite of the polls.

After 9/11, I fully supported President Bush's actions against al-Qaida.
However, I do not support him in his war against terrorism worldwide. We
cannot win such a war and the cost in dollars and possibly human lives to
the American people will be horrific.

On the other hand, in order to save lives by the thousands, I
wholeheartedly endorse a war against the drug lords of the world.

WIN DULLES
Savannah